City council merits praise for goal change

Published: Friday, March 22, 2013 at 12:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, March 21, 2013 at 1:08 p.m.

Bravo, Lexington City Council. After receiving criticism for dropping homeownership as one of 10 proposed goals for 2013 during a retreat in February, the council reinstated the goal Tuesday when it officially adopted them. This decision came as welcome news to local and state agencies that advocate for homeownership and could ultimately pay dividends for the city in the long run.

As stated in a previous editorial, homeowners tend to take better care of their homes, which can result in increased property tax values; create stable neighborhoods; and show faith in Lexington with a willingness to put down roots. Councilman Wayne Alley, a Realtor, took the point position Tuesday in seeking a return of the homeownership goal and offered additional evidence. He said tax records showed a 360 percent increase in tax value of homes rehabilitated through the Lexington Housing Community Development Corp.

The city had already reinstated homeownership as a bullet point under the goal focusing on economic development. But the bullet points simply don't receive the same level of attention as the top line goals. Any synopsis of the council's plans normally focuses on the 10 goals, not the points that fall underneath each. Many of those bullet points are very valuable in their own right, especially ones listed under economic development and appearance.

Elected officials sometimes must make tough decisions that won't sit well with their constituents. But in this case, listening to those who wanted to see homeownership returned to a top-level goal and then making the change offered the right course of action. Those housing advocates were right, and the council members responded to their points and revisited the goals. The hallmark of an effective government is one that listens to citizens and is willing to change course if presented with compelling arguments.

Now the challenge comes for the city to begin tackling the 2013 goals. The development of the Depot District remains a high priority, as it should. The project provides the potential to reinvigorate the downtown area. Other goals also would lead to many positive changes in Lexington. The council achieved many of the 2012 goals, so the track record looks positive for similar success this year.

One frustration citizens sometimes voice is when they believe elected officials aren't listening to them. Lexington residents see evidence that didn't happen in this case as the council members did act on the concerns that were raised about the homeownership goal. Such an open type of government will not only cause people to support their leaders but also motivate some to become involved and help achieve the goals as well.

<p>Bravo, Lexington City Council. After receiving criticism for dropping homeownership as one of 10 proposed goals for 2013 during a retreat in February, the council reinstated the goal Tuesday when it officially adopted them. This decision came as welcome news to local and state agencies that advocate for homeownership and could ultimately pay dividends for the city in the long run.</p><p>As stated in a previous editorial, homeowners tend to take better care of their homes, which can result in increased property tax values; create stable neighborhoods; and show faith in Lexington with a willingness to put down roots. Councilman Wayne Alley, a Realtor, took the point position Tuesday in seeking a return of the homeownership goal and offered additional evidence. He said tax records showed a 360 percent increase in tax value of homes rehabilitated through the Lexington Housing Community Development Corp.</p><p>The city had already reinstated homeownership as a bullet point under the goal focusing on economic development. But the bullet points simply don't receive the same level of attention as the top line goals. Any synopsis of the council's plans normally focuses on the 10 goals, not the points that fall underneath each. Many of those bullet points are very valuable in their own right, especially ones listed under economic development and appearance.</p><p>Elected officials sometimes must make tough decisions that won't sit well with their constituents. But in this case, listening to those who wanted to see homeownership returned to a top-level goal and then making the change offered the right course of action. Those housing advocates were right, and the council members responded to their points and revisited the goals. The hallmark of an effective government is one that listens to citizens and is willing to change course if presented with compelling arguments.</p><p>Now the challenge comes for the city to begin tackling the 2013 goals. The development of the Depot District remains a high priority, as it should. The project provides the potential to reinvigorate the downtown area. Other goals also would lead to many positive changes in Lexington. The council achieved many of the 2012 goals, so the track record looks positive for similar success this year.</p><p>One frustration citizens sometimes voice is when they believe elected officials aren't listening to them. Lexington residents see evidence that didn't happen in this case as the council members did act on the concerns that were raised about the homeownership goal. Such an open type of government will not only cause people to support their leaders but also motivate some to become involved and help achieve the goals as well.</p>